The atmosphere is a set of gases that surround planet Earth. On our planet, the atmosphere is formed by 21% oxygen, 78% hydrogen and others in smaller amounts, which are attracted by the gravity existing on the planet.
The altitude of the atmosphere is about 1,000 km, although 80% of the fluid mass is concentrated 5 km above the Earth's surface.
The gravity on the surface is influenced by the pressure that the air exerts due to its weight, this can happen in a variety of ways, depending on the point and time and many others circumstances.
In high-altitude areas the pressure is lower, so the air is thin, that's why people who climb mountains such as Everest (Himalaya, 8,848 meters high) must carry devices that contain oxygen.
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By Eduardo de Freitas
Graduated in Geography
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
FREITAS, Eduardo de. "Atmosphere and gravity"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/atmosfera-gravidade.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
